The Interior & Exterior Dimensions of a Shipping Container

Understanding shipping container dimensions is a crucial part of buying the best container for your personal or business needs.

In fact, numbers are key when it comes to containers, and if you want to store specific goods inside one, then you really need to understand measurements and measuring systems.

Before purchasing a storage container, we advise you to carefully consider three crucial factors:

1. What the container will be used for
2. Your budget
3. Specific shipping container dimensions, including height & weight requirements.

These three factors influence the type of shipping container you can buy. Also, consider the internal and external dimensions of the container. We denote this by the terms interior and exterior.

Working out the best possible size for your needs is key at the onset, and it’s vital to paving the way for your best possible purchase. Be it a 20ft, 40ft, or high cube shipping container — we’ll guide you in your choice by explaining key sizing differences below.

All Containers Below Meet ISO Standards

At Eveon Containers, all the containers we sell conform to universal ISO quality standards to ensure they are wind and water-tight. These standards are minimum and maximum specifications when it comes to the measuring of containers. Feel free to take a look at these standards in the table below:

20ft Shipping Container Dimensions

Our smallest product offering is a 20ft container. Below you find the dimensions of a 20-foot shipping container.

• Exterior dimensions of this container are: 20’ (length) x 8' (width) x 8'6" (height).
• Interior dimensions are roughly: 19’4” (length) x 7’9” (width) x 7’10” (height).
• Have roughly 150sq ft of storage capacity.
• When it comes to width — standard shipping containers that meet ISO Certification will always measure 8ft wide externally and have an external height of 8’6’’. They also have a minimum width of 7.6ft and a minimum height of 7.6ft high.

40ft Shipping Container Dimensions

Should you need a somewhat larger container, then a 40ft container might very well be the best size for your requirements. These are the dimensions of a 40-foot container:

• Exterior dimensions of this container are: 40' (length) x 8' (width) x 8'6" (height).
• Interior dimensions are: 39' 5'' (length) x 7' 9'' (width) x 7'10" (height).
• Offer roughly 305sq ft of storage capacity
• Standard shipping containers that meet ISO Certification will measure 8ft wide externally and 8.5ft high. They will also measure roughly 7.6ft wide internally and have an internal height of 7.6ft.

40ft High Cube Shipping Container Dimensions

40ft HC Conex containers are our biggest product we offer. These containers are one foot higher than a standard 40ft container, allowing for goods with an increased height or the need for a forklift to transport goods in and out of the container. Check out the 40-foot container high cube dimensions.

• Exterior dimensions of a 40ft high cube shipping container are: 40' (length) x 8' (width) x 9'6" (height).
• Interior dimensions are: 39'5" (length) x 7'9" (width) x 8'10" (height).
• Offer roughly 305 sq ft of storage space
• Shipping containers that meet ISO Certification will measure 8.8ft high for the interior of high cube containers.
• High Cube (HC) shipping containers can be for both commercial and private usage. Since these Conex containers have a bit more space than standard ones, they are a ideal solution for housing bigger cargo or for an increased number of smaller items.

What To Expect From A Used Shipping Container

• Visible dents, scratches and rust acceptable
• No holes, or leaks
• Patches acceptable on walls and wooden floors
• Faded paint and paint patches acceptable
• Doors may be stiff to open & close

How many pallets fit in a container?

Many customers ask us how many pallets fit in a container. And our answer is always, well, that depends on the size of the pallet and the container itself.

A pallet is a wooden structure used in the transportation of goods. It has a particularly clever purpose in ensuring the stability of goods, especially those moved with a forklift or crane. Moreover, using a pallet ensures seamless storage and moving of goods due to the pallet’s universal size.

A commonly used pallet is the Euro pallet, which is 31.5” wide x 47.24” long. However, it’s important to note that pallets are also available with a dimension of 40” x 48”, the latter being more popular in North America. Additionally, another pallet available in 39.37” x 47.24” is commonly used in Asia and Europe, and this is considered similar to the North American version of the 40”x 48” pallet.

Given this information, a 20ft container can hold around 10 - 11 pallets (depending on the size and type of cargo stacked on the pallet). In contrast, a 40ft container can hold around 20 - 24 pallets (also, depending on the size and type of cargo).

Why Choose Eveon Containers

At Eveon Containers, we’ve made a clear commitment to sustainability—offering new shipping containers simply isn’t part of our mission. Instead, we focus on giving used containers a second life by repairing and repurposing them, significantly reducing CO2 emissions and minimizing our carbon footprint.

Choosing a used shipping container from Eveon isn’t just an affordable and practical option—it’s a choice that supports a greener future. Our high-quality, wind- and watertight containers provide the same durability and reliability as new ones but at a fraction of the cost and environmental impact. Whether you need a container for storage, shipping, or a custom project, our eco-friendly approach ensures that you’re getting a sustainable solution without compromising on quality.

By extending the lifespan of shipping containers, we help customers save money while contributing to a more circular economy. Shop with Eveon Containers and make a smarter, more sustainable choice today!

Feel free to chat with one of our Custom Care Agents if you need more support with buying. They can reassure you about your purchase and any requirements you have when it comes to shipping container dimensions. Drop us a line today or get started and purchase a shipping container at Eveon Containers Inc. today..